Localization and antioxidant capacity of flavonoids from intertidal and subtidal Halophila johnsonii and Halophila decipiens

In this study, flavonoid localization, content and total antioxidant capacity in leaves of subtidal Halophila decipiens were compared to intertidal and subtidal Halophila johnsonii. H. johnsonii leaves had significantly higher flavonoid content (3.5 and 3.8 nmol quercetin equivalent mm−2 leaf for intertidal and subtidal H. johnsonii, respectively) and antioxidant capacity (101.7 and 224.2 nmol Trolox equivalent mm−2 leaf for intertidal and subtidal H. johnsonii, respectively) than H. decipiens leaves (1.4 nmol quercetin equivalent mm−2 leaf and 21.0 nmol Trolox equivalent mm−2 leaf). Flavonoid content did not significantly differ between intertidal and subtidal H. johnsonii, however, antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in subtidal plants. Confocal laser scanning microscopy of fresh leaf cross sections indicated that both species contained flavonoids in the cuticle, but only H. johnsonii contained intracellular flavonoids. Intracellular flavonoids are better situated to perform antioxidant functions in planta. These results suggest that flavonoid compounds in H. johnsonii are capable of sunscreen and antioxidant functions while an antioxidant role for flavonoids within H. decipiens is not supported.

► H. johnsonii had higher flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity than H. decipiens. ► Flavonoid content did not differ between intertidal and subtidal H. johnsonii. ► Flavonoids were cuticular in both species, but intracellular only in H. johnsonii. ► Flavonoids in H. johnsonii may perform sunscreen and antioxidant functions. ► An antioxidant role for flavonoids within H. decipiens is not supported.